Clean Water & Natural Lands Funds Available

More than $4 million is available in 2013 for private-sector land conservation projects from the City Council’s Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission, and applicants have until Aug. 31 to make a case for a share of that fund.

Grants will be made to the best projects that propose to protect watershed lands, areas of historical importance, significant habitats and ecosystems and much more. The commission also will consider the “degree of urgency, financial support from other sources and how well it correlates to the city’s fiscal priorities,” said commission chairman Benton Pang.

To obtain details and an application, visit 1.honolulu.gov/council/cbc.

The funds come from 1 percent of estimated real property tax collections, which are shared with the Affordable Housing Fund. Land purchases for the winning projects will begin in July of next year.